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The 7 best vegan meal delivery services of 2024, according to a nutritionist

The 7 best vegan meal delivery services of 2024, according to a nutritionist

Transitioning to a vegan diet can be challenging, but it has benefits. A diet free from all animal products can be associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even premature death. So, if you have limited time to research new recipes or aren’t accustomed to making meals that don’t center around animal protein but are still looking to try a vegan diet, there are other solutions. One option we're fond of is to try one of the best vegan meal delivery services on the market today.

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By now, you're likely familiar with many meal delivery services, but you may not know some are catered to specific diets. Finding the right weekly vegan meal delivery service can make the transition to a plant-based diet more accessible and enjoyable by delivering a variety of nutritious and flavorful meals right to your doorstep. Plus, you’ll experience a range of new flavors, cooking methods, and styles that can make this transition more enjoyable. To help you find the best meal delivery service for your needs, I – a multi-certified personal trainer and nutritionist – and the team here at AOL tested 15 of the best weekly meal delivery services to find which ones excel at providing delicious and nutritious plant-based meals.

To find the best vegan meal delivery companies, we rated each service based on the quality of ingredients, number of new meals offered each week, flavor combinations, ease of ordering meals, ease of preparing meals, if any extra add-ons were available, the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, and most of all, the overall taste and presentation of the meals.

Here, you’ll learn the unique features and benefits of each of these top-rated vegan meal delivery services. However, it's important to remember that the best meal kit for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Always consult your doctor before making a significant change to your diet, read reviews, and consider your own nutritional needs before making a decision.

Price per serving: $11.00 to $13 per serving | Meal type: Meal kits and prepared meals | Weekly menu options: 16 recipes each week, along with additional menu options for breakfast and lunch | Dietary options: Under 600 calories, gluten-free, high-protein, low-sodium, high-fiber, nut-free and soy-free

Purple Carrot is our unanimous choice as the best overall vegan meal kit because it offers a remarkable blend of quality, flavor variety, menu options, convenience and a beautiful weekly vegan cookbook complete with photos, ingredient lists, and step-by-step instructions. We found that Purple Carrot is devoted to supplying fresh, plant-based meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious, making it an ideal choice for long-standing vegans and those newer to the lifestyle.

Pricing varies depending on which plan you choose, starting at $11 and going up to $13 per serving for meal kits and $13 for single-serving heat-and-eat prepared meals. Meals are always delivered weekly with various menu options suitable for various dietary preferences, including high protein, nut-free, gluten-free, low-sodium, and under 600-calorie meals.

Purple Carrot's commitment to promoting a plant-based diet is evident when you take a look at its diverse menu and high-quality ingredients, plus one of its most unique features—including a beautifully illustrated vegan cookbook with each delivery.

Ordering meals that suit your lifestyle and needs is effortless with Purple Carrot because you can choose breakfasts, lunches, and dinners and a selection of "Plantry" add-ons such as matcha cold brew coffees, fresh juices, instant lentils, homestyle chili, plant-based crab cakes, juice shots, chocolates, nuts, crackers, and a variety of vegan cheeses.

In terms of taste, our tester praised Purple Carrot's meals for the easy-to-make meals, prepared meal convenience, flavor, and freshness. The company's eco-friendly approach to packaging is another commendable aspect, with recyclable shipping and packing materials used wherever possible.

Pros
  • Offers meal kits and prepared meals
  • New plant-based cookbook included each week
  • Full pantry of add-on options
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Limited meal selection
$11- 13 per serving at Purple Carrot

Price: per serving $11.00 per serving | Meals type: Frozen prepared meals | Weekly menu options: 30+ | Dietary choices: Vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, wheat-free, nut-free, paleo, gluten-free, low-calorie and no sugar added 

Mosaic Foods earns our top spot for prepared vegan meals with its broad selection of high-quality and convenient vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based meals. The service's commitment to providing balanced, nutritious, and convenient meals sets it apart in the vegan meal delivery market.

The pricing for Mosaic Foods meals starts at $11.00 per serving, with a box of 12 meals costing approximately $129.88, including shipping. Meals are delivered frozen in a well-packed, insulated box on a schedule that suits your needs, with the flexibility to adjust the frequency of deliveries to once per week, every two weeks, or monthly.

Each week, Mosaic Foods offers over 30 menu options, ranging from smoothies and veggie bowls to family-sized meals. The service accommodates several dietary preferences, including wheat-free, nut-free, and no sugar-added options. All meals are free from preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Most single-serve meals can be heated in the microwave in under five minutes, while the Family Meals are oven-ready, requiring about an hour in the oven. A flash-freezing process ensures optimal freshness while allowing you to stash meals in the freezer for at least three months, so you’ll always have a convenient meal option.

The packaging is either curbside recyclable or made from post-consumer recycled fiber, demonstrating Mosaic Food's dedication to reducing environmental impact.

Pros
  • Vegan and vegetarian options
  • Flavorful, healthy heat-and-eat meals
  • Meals designed from one person or the whole family
Cons
  • May not cater to families with mixed dietary preferences
  • Meals are frozen, not fresh
$11 per serving at Mosaic Foods

Price per serving: $9.69-$11.39 | Meal type: Meal kits | Weekly menu options: 5,000+ recipes to choose from | Dietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, allergen-free, 500 calories or less, carb-conscious, kid-friendly

Hungryroot offers a unique hybrid approach to weekly meal deliveries that combines the convenience of meal kits, and grocery delivery. The service offers an impressive 5,000 recipes available to choose from each week. Busy people will find this approach particularly beneficial because it simplifies meal planning and preparation while allowing you to order a week's worth of groceries simultaneously. Perfect for those who would prefer never to step foot in the grocery store again.

Our tester thought Hungryroot’s meals were tasty and offered excellent variety, but some meals were more successful than others. On some occasions, convenience took priority over taste. However, the convenience and variety offered by the service make it a strong contender for busy people or those new to vegan meals. The very large database gives a plethora of options.

Hungryroot also stands out for its commitment to sustainability. All outer packaging materials are recyclable, including the EnviroIce cold packs that keep perishable food fresh during shipping, and many of the individual ingredients and grocery items also come in recyclable packaging.

Pros
  • Extensive recipe database
  • Quick and easy recipes
  • Entire grocery of add-on items to choose from
Cons
  • The algorithm for predicting preferences needs improvement
  • Can be overwhelming with so many recipes to choose from
$9.69-$11.39 per serving at Hungryroot

Price per serving: Starts at $6.79 per meal | Meal type: Frozen prepared meals | Weekly menu options: Over 40 options per week | Dietary options: Low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie, heart-healthy

Daily Harvest's meals start at $9.79 per meal, making it one of the most affordable options for vegan meal delivery. The service offers a wide variety of meal options each week, including smoothies, soups, grain bowls, and more. It's a versatile and convenient option for those trying to stick to a heart-healthy, low-sugar, low-calorie or low-carb diet. What’s more, Daily Harvest focuses on organic ingredients and nutrient-dense foods at a reasonable price point, so you don’t have to sacrifice health for savings. This makes it an excellent fit for anyone desiring a health-focused, vegan meal delivery service that doesn't break the bank.

There are more than 40 menu options per week, but delivery can either be weekly or monthly, with the option to easily change delivery schedules. The grain bowls and pasta dishes are two of the best value options. The pasta recipes are packaged in bags with two substantial portions for $9.79 each. Rice dishes in family-sized quantities are also available and serve three to four people.

What sets Daily Harvest apart from every other service on this list is that its menu offerings can also be found in your local grocer's freezer aisle or through Instacart. Each meal is designed to be quick and easy, with most meals ready in less than five minutes. 

All Daily Harvest items are packed in recyclable paper containers, making Daily Harvest one of the more eco-friendly services we tested.

Pros
  • Healthy meals made from high-quality, often organic ingredients
  • Most meals take less than five minutes to prepare
  • Offers a wide variety of meal types, including smoothies, soups, grain bowls and more
Cons
  • Some meals may be high in sugar or sodium
  • Flatbreads may not appeal to all tastes
Starts at $6.79 per meal at Daily Harvest

Price per serving: $12-$13.50 | Meals type: Meal kits | Weekly menu choices: 40+ weekly menu selections; add-on breakfasts, lunches, appetizers | Dietary options: Calorie-smart, delicious discoveries, gluten-free, keto, Mediterranean, plant-based, protein-packed, quick and easy

GreenChef is our choice for the best organic vegan meal delivery because they are committed to delivering fresh, organic meal options for many nutritional preferences and diet styles. GreenChef offers over 40 weekly menu options for eight different dietary programs, including Mediterranean, Calorie Smart, Quick and Easy, Plant-Based, Protein Packed, Keto, Delicious Discoveries, and Gluten-Free. In addition, you can order add-ons such as salads, desserts, heat-and-eat lunches and breakfasts. The access to organic pre-made food makes it an excellent choice for people living together and following a specific dietary plan.

The company, which is owned by the meal kit service HelloFresh, has earned certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an organic company, ensuring that, at the very least, all the produce provided in your meal kit is organic unless stated otherwise. Additionally, the company is accredited by the California Certified Organic Farmers. A recent study found that consuming organic food was linked to a slight decrease (11%) in obesity risk and can be a wise choice for obesity prevention. Packaging is made from recycled, reusable and/or compostable materials.

All of the GreenChef items are packed in recyclable paper containers.

Pros
  • USDA-certified organic company
  • Offers a wide range of meal plans for different lifestyles and dietary needs
  • Add-on options like salads, desserts, heat-and-eat lunches and breakfasts
Cons
  • Cannot specify allergies
$12-$13.50 per serving at Green Chef

Price per serving: $9 - $12 | Meal type: Meal kits and prepared meals | Weekly menu options: 70+ | Dietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, wellness

Blue Apron earns the top spot for the best gluten-free, vegan meal delivery for its various plant-based meals made without gluten. If you or someone in your household needs to avoid gluten, Blue Apron is ideal, providing time-saving, convenience, and less stress for people accommodating this dietary need.

The meal plans range from $9 to $12 per serving, with a shipping fee of $10.99. Over 70 menu options are available each week, and you can also opt for additional items, including freshly prepared single-serving heat-and-eat meals, single-serving frozen meals, breakfast meal kits, desserts, and individual proteins if you have a member in your household who does consume animal products. You can order a maximum of four servings for each meal and up to five meals per week.

Stand-out features include time-saving, convenient meals with gluten-free and vegan options created in consultation with a nutritionist. Although our tester felt some of the meals were hit or miss flavor-wise, the variety and healthfulness of the meals, along with its beginner-friendly recipes, often ready in less than 30 minutes, makes Blue Apron a solid choice.

Blue Apron food items are packed in recyclable and compostable materials, and all items are pre-portioned, reducing food waste and aligning with eco-friendly practices.

For more information, read our full review of Blue Apron.

Pros
  • Lots of flavorful, healthy meals to choose from each week
  • Provides pre-portioned ingredients, reducing food waste
  • Allows customization of delivery day and meal preferences
Cons
  • Pasta dishes may seem overpriced compared to other dishes
$9 - $12 per serving at Blue Apron

Price per serving: $9.00 - $13.00 | Meal type: Meal kits | Weekly menu options: 100+ recipes | Dietary options: Low-carb, low-calorie, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, kid-friendly, one pot meals, under 30 minutes, breakfast, appetizers, desserts, family-friendly

Marley Spoon is our pick for the best vegan meal delivery service for families because of its delicious meals and commitment to high-quality ingredients. A range of dietary needs and styles are considered, including kid-friendly, ready in under 30 minutes, and one-pot meals, making it an excellent choice for families with diverse tastes.

One of the key features of Marley Spoon is its unique, elevated recipes. These are not your average vegan meals but more like gourmet dishes that bring a sense of adventure to the dinner table. This makes meal times exciting and allows families to explore new flavors and cuisines together.

However, our tester noted that the complexity of some recipes might be a drawback for beginner chefs and may be best suited to those with a bit more experience in the kitchen and who enjoy the cooking process. If you are new to cooking or prefer more uncomplicated recipes, this service may be a bit challenging.

Where Marley Spoon truly excels is in the flavor department. The meals are tasty and satisfying, with ideal portion sizes. Variety is also a stand-out feature with over 100 weekly recipes and family menu options. Pricing is competitive, ranging from $9 to $13 per serving. For instance, three meals per week for four people cost $126, including shipping.

Marley Spoon's packaging is mostly recyclable, with clear recycling instructions on its website, making it easy to dispose of packaging in an environmentally friendly way.

Pros
  • 100+ menu options each week
  • Gourmet flavors
  • Great for the adventurous
Cons
  • Multiple steps make this not good for beginner chefs
  • Pricey
$9.00 - $13.00 per serving at Marley Spoon

Cost: When considering the cost of a vegan meal delivery service, the price per serving and the number of servings per meal should be taken into account with options for different household sizes. Prices typically range from $6 to $13 per serving, with some services offering add-ons that range in price. Considering your budget and comparing the cost per serving across different services that suit your dietary needs and preferences is essential.

Ease of Use: Vegan meal delivery kits should be easy to use from ordering to the finished meal. Kits should come with clear cooking instructions and a delivery schedule that works for you. Some services offer pre-prepared meals that only need to be heated, while others provide ingredients and recipes to cook the meal yourself. Some of these include whole produce and proteins that require a bit more prep, while others pre-chop, shred, or otherwise prepare individual ingredients.

Menu Choice: An adequate variety of vegan recipes and high-quality ingredients is something to look for with a meal delivery service, as not all have multiple meals that work for animal-free diets. Look for a service that offers a selection of recipes that fit your additional dietary needs, such as gluten-free, soy-free, or nut-free options. The ingredients should be fresh, high-quality, and plant-based.

Taste: Above all, the vegan meals should be delicious. While the flavor of the meals is a personal experience, reading reviews or trying a few different services to find one that you really enjoy will help you make the most of your subscription.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging choices of vegan meal delivery services can reduce their environmental impact if they choose recyclable or compostable materials. This is especially important if you are committed to reducing your own ecological footprint. Look for services that provide clear instructions on recycling or composting their packaging.

Every meal kit we reviewed has different strengths and weaknesses. Some are very easy; others offer more variety; some are great for families with picky eaters and special diets, and others are geared toward noncarnivores. We also tested some heat-and-eat premade meal options (remember when we used to call them TV dinners?) to throw into the mix as the easiest to make of the bunch.

To narrow down the list of the best meal delivery services, an in-house culinary expert, AOL testers, and editors collectively tried 15 of the top delivery services with their families. We evaluated the services according to the number of weekly vegetarian menu choices offered, the quality and freshness of the included ingredients, ease of cooking, cost, eco-friendly packaging, and, most of all, taste.

Vegan meal delivery services prepare and deliver plant-based meals to your doorstep. These services offer meals and food items suitable for people following a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, and honey, and any foods made with animal-sourced ingredients. Many services have meals designed by chefs and nutritionists to be balanced, nutritious, and flavorful, so sticking to a vegan diet is more enjoyable.

When you subscribe to a vegan meal delivery service, you can expect to receive pre-portioned, ready-to-cook, or pre-cooked meals delivered to your home on your chosen schedule. These meals are typically accompanied by preparation and cooking instructions if needed. Meal delivery services allow you to choose from a selection of meals each week with different tastes and dietary needs in mind. Some services also allow you to modify the frequency of deliveries, skip a week, or cancel anytime.

The cost-effectiveness of vegan meal delivery services depends on several factors, including your usual grocery spending habits, dining practices, and the specific service you choose. While the cost per meal might be higher than if you were to buy the ingredients and cook from scratch, these services can cut back on food waste and save you time on meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. For some people, these conveniences can make vegan meal delivery services a cost-effective option, especially if you often find yourself ordering takeout during the busiest days of the week.

Most vegan meal delivery services allow you to cancel your subscription at any time, but check the specific cancellation policy of any service you’re considering to be sure it will fit your needs. Some services may require you to cancel before a deadline to avoid a charge for the next delivery. It's always a good idea to read the company’s terms and conditions before subscribing.

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